Chapter 73 (Part1): Past

Nick came into the room as Gavin prepared himself to examine me.

"Do you want me to stay with you?" His eyes were warm and soft now, the earlier anger had been put away like Danté had instructed him to do.

"Thank you," I said. "But I'll be fine. I just want to have a little privacy."

Nick hesitated, his hand resting on the doorframe. "Are you sure?"

I nodded, looking away - at the closed curtains on the window.

It's funny how desperately I wanted Danté to stay so that someone could hold my hand, but when Nick - who I had a sort of "situationship" with - offered to do so, I declined.

Gavin had his gloves on and all of his supplies laid out. "Nick, I get why you would want to stay and be here for her. I'm sure she would have normally appreciated the gesture. But it's going to be an uncomfortable procedure, so it would be best for you to sit this one out."